What Is Foraging ?

My name is Angela Pozarycki, and I’m a professional forager of edible alien plant species in the Western Cape area of South Africa, educator and conservationist.

My fascination for edible alien plant species stems from the fact that only 6% of our total South African indigenous plant population still exists today, and that by removing and consuming the aliens, we not only provide ourselves with an abundance of new flavors and textures, better food security, a wider range of nutrients and medicinal benefits, but we also play a part in conservation by clearing space for the indigenous species to thrive.

All alien species arrived on our shores for a specific reason: they were either edible, medicinal, valuable as a material source, or ornamental. This means that there are hundreds if not thousands of alien plant species in the Western Cape that can be used as a source of food. Human use of these species dates back hundreds of years in their native lands, some being referenced in writings by the Ming Dynasty and Aristotle in 384–322 B.C.E, and Pliny the Elder in 23 AD.

All indigenous vegetation in South Africa are considered critically endangered and illegal to harvest in the wild, resulting in fines or jail time. Regardless of law, it is highly unethical to harvest any of our precious indigenous species that are left.

Focusing on foraging alien species can increase the amount of water available to the human population, as well as to indigenous plant and animal species, restore biodiversity by allowing indigenous plant species to thrive, and reduce the risk of fires.

I offer call-out foraging courses and tastings for restaurants, guest houses, farms and private groups.

These are held in local green spaces of the customer’s choice, enabling them to learn exactly what grows in their own environment.

Please feel free to contact me via email (moorepozarycki@gmail.com), find me on Facebook under “Foraging with Angela Pozarycki”, or on Instagram under “Foraging with Angela”.